Cullen Gardens, Miniature Village Closed on January 1st

For 25 years, Cullen Gardens and Miniature Village in Whitby, Ont. has
been one of the biggest tourist attraction east of Toronto, drawing up
to 35,000 visitors a year.

For 25 years, Cullen Gardens and Miniature Village in Whitby, Ont. has been one of the biggest tourist attraction east of Toronto, drawing up to 35,000 visitors a year.

It was announced in December by Sue Cullen-Green and Bryan Green, co-owners of Cullen Gardens & Miniature Village, that the attraction would permanently close. Declining attendance and skyrocketing costs are the deciding factors in closing the attraction on January 1st, 2006 at the end of its silver anniversary season.

Officially opened in May of 1980 by founder Len Cullen and his wife, Connie, the Gardens have been a major tourist attraction. The 36-acres of show gardens, and the truly unique miniature village featuring more than 160 buildings, cottages and homes has been a major landmark.

The rolling hills and valleys surrounding the property have now been swallowed up by development, with a residential subdivision across the road. No announcement has been made regarding the future use of the property.